Interview: California 2018 Dual-Threat QB Re-al Mitchell Updates Iowa State Unofficial Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When it comes to college football recruiting, there is perhaps no position more important to build around for each given class than at quarterback. While it takes a team to win, it takes the right quarterback to be a leader under pressure driving his squad up and down the field against the odds. St. John Bosco High School has that leader in Re-al Mitchell, but Iowa State hopes that same leader can be the same difference maker for years to come against tough Big 12 competition.

The Cyclones turned in an undervalued 2017 recruiting class snagging 20 listed three-star talents (Rivals). ISU closed strong adding five of their 24 total commits in the month of January and have kept that momentum going on the recruiting trail adding Class of 2018 Wisconsin athlete Will McDonald and Michigan Class of 2019 quarterback Dwan Mathis. The Cyclones have their 2019 building block set but need their 2018 cornerstone with a lot of love and attention focused on Mitchell.

Mitchell grew his game into three-star status as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in his class. At the end of his junior season he compiled 2,932 passing yards with 30 touchdowns tossed completing 198-of-294 pass attempts. Where Mitchell proved to be even deadlier was in the run game. Opposing California squads had no answer for his blazing speed watching him rack up 1,058 yards on the ground off 152 totes with 15 more trips to the end zone. The end result was a 13-2 record for the Braves and a California state title at the highest classification earning a No. 2 end of season MaxPreps ranking.

Iowa State is not the only Power 5 Conference team pushing hard for Mitchell. The 6-0, 190 pound, talent also has offers from Utah, Northwestern, Central Florida, Connecticut, Rutgers, Colorado State, New Mexico, Hawaii, Air Force, Cal-Poly, San Jose State, UNLV, South Carolina, and Arizona. Of all the teams laying offers, Iowa State got a big opportunity to showcase their program for the Los Angeles area product over the weekend, along with his rising star tailback Demetrius Flowers.

After Mitchell’s visit, he posted his Top 8 schools listing No. 1 Iowa State, No. 2 South Carolina, No. 3 UConn, No. 4 Rutgers, No. 5 UCF, No. 6 UNLV, No. 7 Arizona, and No. 8 Air Force. His top schools he is interested in without receiving an offer from were Oregon, Baylor, Missouri, and Ole Miss in no order.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Mitchell on his way back home from Ames, a 25 hour car ride home after a snafu at the airline forced Mitchell, his father, Demetrious Flowers, and Flowers’ father to get a rental just to get back to California.

Interview

Re-al, when did you get to Ames?

“We got in Thursday night but started the visit on Friday going through Saturday.”

What all did you guys do while at Iowa State?

“We did a lot – a lot. They tried to show everything they could while we were there. They took us on a tour of the campus, showed us academic presentations, and all of the football facilities. We were able to stay with one of the players Friday and Saturday night – all the recruits did. That was cool. We had lunch and dinner with coaching staff too.”

How did the visit go overall?

“I loved it. I would say it was a 9.5 out of 10. It wasn’t a 10 just because it was raining the whole time. If there was no rain it would have been a 10 out of 10. (Laughs) I know the rain was not the coaches’ fault. I’m not holding that against the coaches. They showed me a lot when I was there. They put a lot of effort into the visit. I met with a lot of people that were very informative.”

Which coaches did you meet with and get extended time talking to about the program and offensive system?

“I met with all of the coaches but spent a lot of time with Coach (Taylor) Mouser (assistant director of scouting), he was our guide while we were there. I spent a lot of time talking to Iowa State’s head coach, Coach (Matt) Campbell, and their quarterback coach, Coach (Jim) Hofher.”

What did Coach Campbell talk about with you?

“He said I was a perfect fit for the future of their program. He told me they are recruiting elite kids that have great character and can play the game at a high level. Coach Campbell really wants me to be there and said that I am ‘his guy’.”

How did Coach Hofher tell you or show you how you would fit into their offensive scheme?

“The greatest thing about their offense, they run the exact same offense we do with similar titles to the play. When I went up on the board and started drawing up stuff, it was an easy fit. Same plays, slight name differences.”

What was your overall impression of the campus and facilities?

“The campus was really pretty. The facilities, not everyone knows about it but I knew going in that their facilities were state of the art. Their in-door facility and coaches’ offices – everything is connected. The training room and weight room are all right there together. I thought that was unique and one of a kind.”

Do plan on visiting ISU again and if so, when?

“I’ll be committing in May. If that commitment was to be to Iowa State I would probably come back in June.”

When in May are you committing?

“I’m thinking early May, like maybe May 1.”

What all will influence that big decision?

“During my spring beak I will either visit North Carolina and South Carolina or Rutgers and UConn. After that I’ll sit down with my parents to discuss everything. I will talk to my mom about my trips that she missed. That discussion will be the main decision making aspect.”

You mentioned North Carolina, South Carolina, Rutgers, and UConn as possible upcoming visits, do you have any other schools you may visit before May 1?

“I want to go to Colorado to visit Air Force and Colorado State, but that might not happen. Those two schools are the only other possibilities.”

Off topic, how is track season going for you?

“I missed our meet on Thursday for the Iowa State visit. We’ve only had one other meet. I ran the 400 then. I don’t have any sprint times yet. This week I should have some.”

Re-al, congratulations on a successful trip to ISU and good luck with your track meet this week.

“Thanks, and go Cyclones.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Re-al Mitchell at an Under Armour All-American camp.

Photo credit: Mitchell family; Re-al Mitchell at Iowa State (March 2017).